Public Comments

This is something that will help a lot of people, please pass a law to help fellow West Virginia's

1. Please pass this we need the gummies they help with so many different things and right now people are getting them illegally which can be so un safe so please allow safe medication in our government watched dispensary thank you

I'm a cancer patient and we would love to have the option of edibles. Some of us can't handle smoking the vape. Or the extracts. And the pills aren't strong enough. So edibles would be our only non smoking option.

That would be great for people who can't vape

I would like to see medical marijuana edibles available in the state.

I am writing in strong support of HB 5345, bipartisan legislation requiring enrollment-based childcare subsidy payments.

In my role in the healthcare and Mediciad sector, I work closely with members, communities, and families every day. I see firsthand that childcare is not a “nice-to-have”—it is foundational to employment stability and economic mobility. Time and time again, families identify the same barrier to entering or staying in the workforce: they cannot work if they cannot secure reliable childcare.

HB 5345 addresses a key structural problem that is undermining childcare access across West Virginia. Childcare providers operate with fixed costs that do not change hour by hour. Staffing ratios must be met, staff must be paid, and facilities must remain open and compliant—regardless of whether a child attends for part of the day or is absent. The current attendance-based reimbursement approach relies on an outdated hourly conversion model that does not reflect the true cost of delivering care, creating instability for providers and uncertainty for families.

Enrollment-based payments provide the stability and predictability providers need to budget responsibly, retain qualified staff, and keep classrooms open. When providers can sustain operations, families have more consistent access to care—supporting parents and caregivers in maintaining employment, pursuing education, and meeting basic needs.

Codifying this structure in state law is also a prudent step to protect providers and families in the event federal policy shifts in the future. A sustainable childcare system is essential to supporting West Virginia’s workforce and economic growth.

HB 5345 is a practical, necessary step toward strengthening childcare access and provider stability across our state. I urge lawmakers to vote YES on HB 5345.

Dear Members of the West Virginia House Health & Human Resources Committee,

As the CEO of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors, I unequivocally support House Bill 5437,

Creating E-cigarette and E-cigarette Liquid Directory, currently under consideration. This legislation

represents a vital step towards ensuring the safety and integrity of the vapor product industry, and we

believe it is imperative for the well-being of our communities.

The Southern is an over 100-year-old association whose members face common challenges in the

southeast. Many members of the SAWD are family-owned multigenerational businesses that have served

their communities for decades.

By establishing a centralized database of vapor products sold in West Virginia, this legislation will enable

authorities to identify and track bad actors who seek to profit from the sale of illegal and potentially

harmful products. The state of West Virginia must hold retailers and vape shops accountable and ensure

they are selling legal, regulated products.

The supply of illegal Chinese-flavored disposable vapes flooding the market poses a significant threat to

public health and safety. These unregulated products often contain undisclosed ingredients and target our

youth with their enticing flavors and colorful packaging. House Bill 5437 will empower law enforcement

agencies to identify and remove these illegal products from circulation, protecting consumers from

potential harm.

House Bill 5437 represents a critical opportunity to address the pressing public health concerns associated

with youth vaping and the proliferation of illegal vaping products. As responsible stakeholders in the vapor

product industry, the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors urges policymakers to prioritize the

passage and implementation of this important legislation. Together, we can protect our communities and

safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens.

Sincerely,

VJ Mayor, CAE

vjmayor@asginfo.net

CEO, Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors  

I am a resident of Kanawha County, West Virginia, and I support HB 5563. Timely transplant referrals and accountability save lives. Please advance this bill.

I am a resident of Lincoln County, WV, and I support HB 5563. Timely transplant referrals and accountability save lives. Please advance this bill.

I would love to have edibles